Ville Platte 8U all-stars win in thrilling fashion

BY: TRACEY JAGNEAUX
Sports Editor

It was a weekend to remember for the Ville Platte 8U softball all-stars, as they took home the PONY Sectional tournament championship this past weekend in Crowley.
The all-stars endured a nine game marathon over three days to close out the tournament with a come from behind win over inter-parish rival Mamou to take home the trophy.
Ville Platte will now move on to the regional tournament to be held on June 26-28 in Youngsville. Ville Platte will play their first game tomorrow at 11 a.m. against Crosby, Texas.
Ville Platte began the tournament with three pool game wins. The all-stars defeated Mamou in the first pool game 7-6, in what would be the first of four meetings between the two teams.
Ville Platte followed up with wins over Kinder and St. Landry, taking 15-3 and 17-6 victories respectively.
“Our girls really responded to us having to play all of these games in a three day period,” said head Coach Shane Darbonne. “Mentally to play that many games and have some long layoffs showed a lot of focus for a young group of girls. Our team showed a lot of grit and determination, especially being down in the championship game, to rebound and win.”
Here is a rundown of the bracket games played.

Ville Platte vs. Kaplan
In the first of seven bracket games the Ville Platte all-stars struck early and decisively in a 14-0 win over Kaplan.
Ville Platte scored five runs in the first, two in the second and six in the third to blow away their opponent.

Ville Platte vs. Iowa
Ville Platte took to the field in game two of bracket play looking to keep the momentum moving in a positive direction. Once again the all-stars got it done both offensively and defensively, as they motored past Iowa 13-0.
Ville Platte scored the maximum six runs in the first and third innings and added another run in the fourth inning.

Ville Platte vs. Rayne
A third straight bracket win ushered in a third straight shutout, as Ville Platte downed the defending national champs, Rayne, 14-0.
Ville Platte scored in all three innings. The all-stars took control of the game after only one inning of play, going up 6-0.
Ville Platte added five runs in the second and three runs in the third to close out the scoring.
Amazingly, Ville Platte played their best defensive game, only allowing Rayne to advance a runner to second base. The “blue wall” was even able to turn a double play, something that does not happen often in 8U play.

Ville Platte vs. Mamou
The second meeting between Ville Platte and Mamou counted for more than just bragging rights. This time advancement in the winner’s bracket was at stake.
Ville Platte scored seven runs in the first two innings, and held Mamou scoreless to jump ahead 7-0.
Mamou did not fold easy, as they outscored Ville Platte 6-1 in the third inning. However, Ville Platte was undeterred in their efforts, plating five more runs in the fourth inning.
The “Flat-town” all-stars tacked on four more runs in the top of the fifth to close out the run-rule victory.

Ville Platte vs. Mamou
Ville Platte, now in the winner’s bracket final, awaited the next team up. Mamou took care of business in the loser’s bracket to set up another game against Ville Platte.
Mamou needed a win to force an “if necessary” game and keep their championship hopes alive. Mamou halted the Ville Platte offensive attack and came away with a 9-2 win.
Ville Platte’s only two runs came in the bottom of the first inning. Mamou did not flinch, scoring three runs of their own in the bottom of the first to take a 3-2 lead that would not evaporate.
Mamou added three runs apiece in the second and fifth innings to close out the game.
“I think having to wait from 12 to 6:30 before we had to play again took a toll on our girls for this game,” commented Darbonne.

Ville Platte vs. Mamou
The fourth meeting of the tournament between Ville Platte and Mamou was a winner take all championship contest.
The game came down to the final at bat, with Ville Platte taking a heart pounding 14-13 win. The cliché “it’s a shame someone had to lose” was definitely a true statement in this battle.
It seemed as if Ville Platte would run away with the game early on, as they led Mamou 6-1 after one inning of play. However, the Mamou all-stars would not go quietly into the night. Mamou gathered the momentum, going on 5-1 run over the next two innings to tie the game a 6-6.
Ville Platte gained the advantage right back, outscoring Mamou 4-3 in the fourth inning. Mamou forged back ahead in the top of the fifth, plating four runs to lead 13-10.
With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Ville Platte trailed Mamou 13-11 and had runners on second and third. A screaming line drive down the right field line by Taylor Darbonne scored the tying runs.
With Darbonne rounding third, the ball scooted past the Mamou catcher, plating the winning run for Ville Platte.